I use a sax strap with a side strap added to the Stick headstock. Works better for me - the belt clip approach doesn't work 'cause ma belly's gotten too big... 
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Picking up Chapman Stick?
- Thread starter devnulljp
- Start date
Here's my cleaned up and restrung bubinga 10 string.
I've been playing it a fair amount since restringing it and it sounds great split between a SWR SM 400 driving a Bag End S15b for the bass side and a mixer for the melody tuned strings using a Korg AX10G which can sound really great with some distortion.
I tried a Boss CS-2 in line before the Korg but it was adding some buzz.
I then started watching King Crimson and Fripp and David Sylvian videos which was humbling.
I've been playing it a fair amount since restringing it and it sounds great split between a SWR SM 400 driving a Bag End S15b for the bass side and a mixer for the melody tuned strings using a Korg AX10G which can sound really great with some distortion.
I tried a Boss CS-2 in line before the Korg but it was adding some buzz.
I then started watching King Crimson and Fripp and David Sylvian videos which was humbling.
Well, this thread inspired me to get mine out and tune it up - wow, I've lost a bunch in a short time - need to practice every day!
I feel like most people gave up on Chapman Sticks after this video came out years ago
The chorus effect really brings it home.
This video, crappy quality and all, is what piqued my interest in The Stick.
For anyone interested in picking up the Stick but slightly unsure, I'm selling my NS Stick in the classifieds. It's an hybrid that can function both as a Stick and as a somewhat regular bass:
For Sale/Trade - NS Stick (bamboo neck)
For Sale/Trade - NS Stick (bamboo neck)
I don't understand what's going on with the foam in that picture... Doesn't that hinder playing?
It certainly was hindering playing and peace of mind:
The Stick had been in storage in the original case with the original polyfoam lining and someone earlier on this thread warned about the foam turning to goo so I immediately dug it out and that's what it looked like. The goo was sticking to the strings and they were covered in a black tar like substance that didn't look like it was going to come off even after vigorously scrubbing the strings with a brush while isolating from the fretboard.
I threw away that set of strings, ordered fresh and restrung it after completely cleaning the whole body.
The goo was just starting to tarnish the frets and to stick to the pickup housing so I feel lucky that I got the warning when I did.
Consider yourself warned! And check any other instrument that might be stored under similar conditions like your Rhodes Chroma which is notorious for melting foam damaging the wooden case's finish:
My belly is more of an issue than it once was, but even when I was tall and gangly I disliked the belt hook and strap setup. Got any photos of your "Plan B"? As per my postings earlier, I've been considering having an adapter made for an EUB tripod, but I'm open to other solutions.I use a sax strap with a side strap added to the Stick headstock. Works better for me - the belt clip approach doesn't work 'cause ma belly's gotten too big...
Ooohhh! I thought the foam was placed there intentionally since the pattern was so regular. I guess it just reflects the pattern in the case. Very strange!
It was sorta like this before the polymer meltdown.
Mine was actually even more badly degraded by the time I discovered it - I didn't have such a neat pattern of blobs.
I saw a post somewhere about attaching an extendible leg from a camera tripod like an endpin. Looked simple and cheap enough. Guy cut a piece of plywood and bolted it onto the belt clip and attached the leg to it with strips of metal.
Or this sounds more like what you're talking about: Stickist.com - View topic - Stand-up Stick Stand (SUSS), easy DIY project
I've been playing sitting down using a wooden coathanger to hold it in place. I'm going to make this lapbar when I get a minute
https://stickist.com/gallery/pic.php?mode=large&pic_id=519
Anyone have any good resources for learning to play? I'm kinda following through this series on YT with Markus Reuter teaching Shawn Crowder (who plays drums with Adam Nealy) touch guitar. It's a different thing I know, but some of the basic technique is relevant.
What I'd really like is some tutorials (esp. wrt dual reciprocal bass tuning). Exercises, etc. Just trying to remember where notes are is hard. And i'm having real trouble with getting the right hand to behave. Just not used to the motions. Would be especially good coming from other bassplayers.
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I can take some pics sure but it's basically a padded sax neck strap with an extra side strap sewed on running to the Stick's headstock.
I have a 10-string from the mid 1980s that I take out every once in a while. I tune it in the baritone tuning and I don't use my right hand as much as good stick players do.
Over the years I've found it fun to experiment with but I've only seldom used it in a band setting. If I were diligent and actually practiced it enough I think I'd get pretty comfortable. As it is I can get reasonably proficient on the bass side after a couple of weeks of woodshedding even with my lazy habits and my long stretches away from the instrument.
Over the years I've found it fun to experiment with but I've only seldom used it in a band setting. If I were diligent and actually practiced it enough I think I'd get pretty comfortable. As it is I can get reasonably proficient on the bass side after a couple of weeks of woodshedding even with my lazy habits and my long stretches away from the instrument.
Ah,OK, I see what you did. It wasn't clear. The sax strap hook goes through one of the holes in the belt hook, then. My old stick doesn't have holes in the belt hook - when I saw that video someone shared of the tripod adapter hack, I assumed that they'd drilled it themselves.
I have a loop of paracord on the strap hook that I hook on to the belt hook, rather than using the holes.
Hey Devnulljp! I've seen you over on Stickist. Excited to see you on the journey. For me, getting started I used Bob Culbertson's videos and Greg Howard's book. Of course, neither of those are for dual bass recip, so I'm not totally sure how well they'd work (it's a fascinating way to set up btw, but I'm "standard" on mine). One thing I can suggest - get in touch with Greg. He gives lessons (via Skype or something), and he would be happy to even do a one off session with you, answer questions, point you towards stuff. He's cool. You can find his contact info on Stickist.
I'll take this opportunity to post a gratuitous photo...
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It really could have damaged the frets and other parts if it had gone on longer. The tiny tarnished spots on the frets do not clean up easily and that tar like goo was never going to come off of the strings.
